Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Cystitis.

Urine infection, which is also known as cystitis, has become very common today and starting from men and women, even children and infants also suffer from this disease. However, it has been noticed that the count of women sufferers is more than men. A recent research on cystitis has revealed that at least once in a lifetime a woman has to pass through this painful period. However, let's see what the major causes are behind the sudden occurrence of cystitis.

Kidney stone usually results to the obstruction of urine. On the other hand, men with enlarged prostate gland also suffer from cystitis. In both the cases, the kidneys never become empty from urine. The accumulation and storage of moldy urine in the later case causes cystitis.

Men or female who have catheter introduced into the bladder for urination are more susceptible to this disease.

People with suppressed immune system (for example: if the immune system is suppressed by uncontrollable diseases like diabetes, AIDS, etc.) are having the complete possibility of cystitis.

Using the unclean and unhygienic public lavatory.
Regular practicing of sexual intercourse, especially women also have big probability to get infected with cystitis. It is also sometimes called honeymoon cystitis as it happens to women due to excessive sexual intercourse; normally it happens after recent post-period of marriage.

Cystitis happens due to the penetration of bacteria into the urethra. The main problem arises due to a bacterium named E. coli. The main symptoms of urine infection are:

Sufferings from burning sensation while passing urine.
The urine of a cystitis patient is of cloudy and bad smell.
Lower abdominal pain is a part of urine infection.
Frequency of urination increases. A person is forcefully woken up at night to urinate.
A cystitis patient fails to attain the sensation and capability to hold urine. Patients also suffer from mild fever (less than 1010F).
Maximum numbers of people have been seen using antibiotics to get rid of excruciating pain of cystitis. Even the doctors also constantly prescribe antibiotics and gradually increase its power in an aim to exterminate the bacteria. However, at the initial stage of using antibiotics, the patients feel relaxed with reduced pain but they never get permanent relief from cystitis, despite increasing the power of antibiotics because antibiotics are not the best solutions to perish E. coli. The constant use of antibiotics always hampers the other body organs. Thus, it is suggested to use D-Mannose, which would give cystitis patient a permanent recovery.

Robert Henry is connoisseur in the field of medication. He has been writing some amazing articles on Cystitis, symptoms and cures of the bladder infections. His knowledgeable articles have brought amazing changes in the lives of several individuals.

Friday, March 19, 2010

MRSA.

MRSA is a rare staph infection. In fact, approximately 20-30% of healthy people are staph carriers. This bacterium is resistant to many antibiotics including penicillin. MRSA symptoms if not dealt with properly can be deadly in extreme cases. Many people mistake it for a spider bite of skin infection and tend to ignore it. So how can you recognize MRSA symptoms? Here are a few guidelines.

1. Skin Infection - look out for any skin infection which appears like a spider bite. Your skin might be irritated, itchy, red, swollen, filled with pus and very painful. This kind of infection can spread easily by skin to skin contact or by touching something that was recently touched by someone else.

2. Look out for any skin infection which might be spreading very fast. This is a good indicator of MRSA symptoms.

3. Lung Infection - Look out of lung infection symptoms which include flu like symptoms such as coughing, fever, chills, shortness of breath and pain in the extremities. Also, be on a lookout for Pneumonia as this bacterium can cause Pneumonia as well.

4. Urinary Tract Infection - Look out for symptoms of a urinary tract infection. MRSA can cause a urinary tract infection if it enters that area.

5. MRSA In The Bloodstream - Look out for symptoms of MRSA in your bloodstream. You may generally feel very lethargic or experience pain all over your body.

Bacterial infections on top of swine flu ...

are now seen as a major culprit in the deaths of otherwise healthy people with the new influenza virus.

The finding, reported this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alters experts’ view of swine flu and offers an additional line of defense against a potentially lethal infection.

The emerging role of bacterial infections in the deaths of individuals with swine flu suggests that in addition to a swine flu vaccination, many people would benefit from the pneumococcal vaccine to stop the bacteria responsible for pneumonia, sinusitis, meningitis, bronchitis and other illnesses.
At the start of the pandemic, it appeared as though few patients with what’s officially known as H1N1 suffered from secondary bacterial infections that can lead to more serious illness, unlike what happens with the regular seasonal flu.

Now, after reviewing data from 77 deaths, including the cases in Buffalo that involved bacterial infections resistant to antibiotics, it’s clearer that bacterial infections may be a significant swine flu complication.

Bacterial co-infections with one of four different bacteria were present in 22 cases, or 29 percent. The cause of nearly half of the cases was a strain known as pneumococcus, which causes ear and sinus infections, pneumonia and meningitis.

Five of seven infections caused by another bacterium, staphylococcus, involved methicillin-resistant strains, or MRSA.

The CDC warned that the results come from a small sample and may not represent the actual portion of patients with bacterial infections.

But officials also noted that 16 of the 22 patients with bacterial co-infections had conditions that made them candidates for the pneumococcal vaccine, yet only about 16 percent of people ages 18 to 49 who should be inoculated get the vaccine.
MRSA first appeared as a problem among hospital patients, but in recent years a variety has spread through communities across the nation, usually causing mild skin infections. An estimated 30 percent of people have staphylococcus living normally in their noses, and about 1 percent of those are the antibiotic-resistant MRSA.

These bugs can become deadly when they get into the bloodstream through wounds or if a virus damages the respiratory tract leading to the lungs.
In the United States, the regular seasonal flu caused by a different virus than swine flu leads to about 36,000 deaths each year from complications, according to the CDC. More than 90 percent of the deaths occur in people older than 65.

Swine flu and Bacterial co-infections.

Bacterial infections on top of swine flu are now seen as a major culprit in the deaths of otherwise healthy people with the new influenza virus.

The finding, reported this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alters experts’ view of swine flu and offers an additional line of defense against a potentially lethal infection.

The emerging role of bacterial infections in the deaths of individuals with swine flu suggests that in addition to a swine flu vaccination, many people would benefit from the pneumococcal vaccine to stop the bacteria responsible for pneumonia, sinusitis, meningitis, bronchitis and other illnesses.
At the start of the pandemic, it appeared as though few patients with what’s officially known as H1N1 suffered from secondary bacterial infections that can lead to more serious illness, unlike what happens with the regular seasonal flu.

Now, after reviewing data from 77 deaths, including the cases in Buffalo that involved bacterial infections resistant to antibiotics, it’s clearer that bacterial infections may be a significant swine flu complication.

Bacterial co-infections with one of four different bacteria were present in 22 cases, or 29 percent. The cause of nearly half of the cases was a strain known as pneumococcus, which causes ear and sinus infections, pneumonia and meningitis.

Five of seven infections caused by another bacterium, staphylococcus, involved methicillin-resistant strains, or MRSA.

The CDC warned that the results come from a small sample and may not represent the actual portion of patients with bacterial infections.

But officials also noted that 16 of the 22 patients with bacterial co-infections had conditions that made them candidates for the pneumococcal vaccine, yet only about 16 percent of people ages 18 to 49 who should be inoculated get the vaccine.
MRSA first appeared as a problem among hospital patients, but in recent years a variety has spread through communities across the nation, usually causing mild skin infections. An estimated 30 percent of people have staphylococcus living normally in their noses, and about 1 percent of those are the antibiotic-resistant MRSA.

These bugs can become deadly when they get into the bloodstream through wounds or if a virus damages the respiratory tract leading to the lungs.
In the United States, the regular seasonal flu caused by a different virus than swine flu leads to about 36,000 deaths each year from complications, according to the CDC. More than 90 percent of the deaths occur in people older than 65.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Is often a really common infection and a lot of women get this infection as some point in their life. BV occurs when the bacteria becomes unbalanced inside the vagina. Despite the fact that BV is treatable and curable, the symptoms are usually unpleasant. If you have bacterial vaginosis a minimum of 4 times a year, then this is called recurring bacterial vaginosis transmissions. It is crucial to see your medical doctor if you are having recurring BV infections. Luckily, you can find a number of things that you can do to cease recurring bacterial vaginosis transmissions.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis is a common vaginal infection that causes many women of childbearing age much suffering. The infection occurs when the number of bad bacteria overtakes the number of good bacteria in the vaginal area. In addition to the discomfort of burning, a strong unpleasant and embarrassing odor also accompanies Bacterial Vaginosis.

Bacterial Vaginosis can also lead to other health issues such as low birth weight babies when pregnant women are infected, pelvic inflammatory disease, and a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

Many women with the infection turn to their doctor for antibiotic medicines. While the medication typically clears up the trouble within a week, 70% of women will have a reoccurrence of the infection within a week. Suffers of recurrent BV are usually desperate to find a solution to rid them of the infection forever. They often live with an unpleasant and unfresh feeling. They dread intimacy with their mates and fear the embarrassment of others noticing the smell.

While some research claims that women taking birth control pills are less likely to have Bacterial Vaginosis, most doctors claim that they are not exactly sure what causes the infection. Many believe that the infection is associated but not limited to women with multiple partners or that frequently douche.

Unlike treatments for yeast infections, over the counter Bacterial Vaginosis treatments are not widely available. Pharmacies and medicine are often no help without a prescription from the doctor.

After much suffering and trial and error with a variety of products, one women has taken it upon herself to give women the at home relief that they have been looking for finding. Kristina J. Tomlin offers women the help that they desire. She gives her secretes on how she stopped her own Bacterial Vaginosis infections. Through her book, readers learn how they can cure their symptoms without making the dreaded doctor trips. Through being Bacterial Vaginosis free, women can regain the self-confidence that they have been missing.

In addition to correcting the current problem, she reveals a way to prevent Bacterial Vaginosis from creeping back into your life by using a three-step plan and simply ingredients found right in your home.

Most women who are tired of feeling vaginal irritation, discomfort, unfreshness, and odor are ready for a permanent remedy to help make them feel sexy and confident once again. If nothing else is working for you, a three-step plan may just be worth a try. Click Here To Stop Bacterial Vaginosis

Great tips to Treat Candida.

- Zero Processed Foods: Going one step further than just avoiding certain types of foods you should make sure that you eat absolutely no processed foods as they will always contain sugar, starches and added ingredients that can trigger reactions in your body which can interfere with your immune function. Even processed foods that claim to be organic will not help your cause, remember organic is great, however it comes down to what the organic food is that counts.
- Eat Garlic: Raw garlic everyday 3-10 cloves if you can. If you want the easiest way to correct a temporary Candida imbalance this is it. Just make sure to have some liquids on hand, chew the garlic and then swallow it with some water to reduce the burning and help you eat more of it!
- Get to the root of it: Simply treating the obvious Candida infection is not enough, you must also be focused on treating the conditions that allowed it to occur in the first place whether it be a congested liver, undiagnosed food allergies, metal toxicity, parasites or something else. Until the root cause is corrected you will continually be vulnerable to chronic Candida.

So as mentioned in tip -3 a protocol which works to correct all aspects of health which lead to Candida overgrowth in the body is necessary. You must be willing to treat the body as a whole and improve overall health in order to eliminate Candida and the suffering it causes for good. There is no silver bullet, however there is a solution, it just requires a little effort on your part to get the job done.

Candida supplements ...

...are being used by more women now than ever. Women are now becoming more aware of what they put into their body, so anti fungal drugs are slowly on their way out as a yeast infection cure. And the benefits of using natural cures are having an effect on the way women now treat Candida.

Yeast infection supplements are also on the increase because they are becoming more effective at eliminating fungus from the human body. If you take an anti fungal drug all it does is kills fungus. What it doesn't do is prevent the Candia that lives naturally in your body from mutating into more fungus when you stop your treatment.

When the fungus returns it not only causes another infection, but it causes an infection that is worse than the one before because the exposure it has had to the drugs. As the infection keeps coming back the symptoms get more severe, and this leads to the drugs being taken more often until the infection becomes resistant.

Recurrent yeast infections are becoming more common because more sufferers are using the approach mentioned above because they are relying on anti fungal drugs to cure themselves.

When you use a Candida supplement it not only kills fungus, but it also strengthens your body's natural defenses so the infection doesn't come back when you stop the treatment. Once your body has the ability to fight of the fungus you will be symptom free.

The human body is more than capable of preventing a yeast infection, and this is why healthy people don't suffer from them. We all have the Candida Albicans yeast in our body, but when we are healthy it is being kept under control by our natural defenses.

It's when these defenses have been weakened that you suffer from yeast overgrowth, and start suffering from symptoms such as itching and burning.

When you have put back the defenses that have been taken away you'll put an end to your infection, and your health will return. Fungus in your body does more than just cause a few external symptoms.

Bacterial infections vaginal.

It seems so hard to talk about yeast infection because you cannot avoid discussing about that sensitive part of the human body. However, you have to know that almost 75% of women are already experiencing this kind of condition and sometimes most of them even encounter this twice in their lives. There are even some women who face this kind of disease over and over again.

It will really help a lot if you have some knowledge on this kind of infection, as well as the available yeast infection natural treatments and preventive measures. How will you know if you have the disease? You will surely learn and understand the symptoms once you read the rest of this article.

You have to learn of the symptoms so that you will easily know if you have the infection. You can also learn the right yeast infection natural treatments that will best suit you. You will feel itchiness and burning sensation on the area of your vagina. You will also notice the redness and you will probably have a whitish discharge. Most of the time, the discharge have a bad smell.

The infection is caused by the fungi or the yeast that which has grown beyond the normal quantity, this is because of the change in pH balance and some other aspects beyond that.

It is much better if you could consult a doctor in this kind of disease, especially if you have an unusual discharge other than the white or yellow ones. The discharge usually goes from white to yellow and constituted with itchiness and burning sensation.

Once the disease is detected early, you can be sure that you will be cured immediately. There are so many yeast infection natural treatments available including those of 24 hour remedy. Some treatments include insertion of medications inside the vagina; some are creams that you can just apply to the affected area. There are even some that will not totally heal the disease, and will just make it comes back again and again.

This kind of condition usually exists when the normal pH balance of the vagina is distracted. The major cause of the fungal growth is moisture that is why it is advisable to provide some breathing room, once in a while, in that particular area. Pads which usually come in scented and chemical forms should be avoided. Proper hygiene is advised to be able to maintain the normal pH balance of the vagina.

Yeast infection

The market is flooded with supplements to cure yeast infection. Earlier confined to just females, the problem is so widespread now that it has gripped males and kids too.

The condition is caused due to an overgrowth of fungus called Candida Albicans in the digestive tract, mouth cavity, or genital regions and is characterized by excessive pain, itching and burning sensation in the genitals along with white cottage cheese like discharge. While there are a great variety of ways that can cure yeast infections, listed below are 3 tips to help you choose the best of lot:

1. Choose The Treatment That Has Worked For Many

An established and reputed source which has worked for many will ensure that you don't waste time and money on something that does not work. Look out for references. Remember, yeast infection is curable and many have used natural supplements available in kitchen to become yeast free.

2. Choose A Product That Is All Natural And Can Treat Yeast Infection Without Any Side Effects

This would ascertain that you don't end up trying someting that is fraught with side effects. With your health at stake, it always makes sense to research what you are going to try. Also, a wrong or misleading information could increase the body's acid levels thereby aggravating the condition. Be careful when trying something new, which has not been tested.

3. Choose An Effective Method To Cure Infection That Is Not Expensive

Better still; avoid those expensive treatments and medications. The natural supplements are not just cheap but also deliver lasting effects. Yeast infection can be cured, you can lead a normal and happy life.

Candida albicans.

Thrush infections are caused by a strain of yeast known as candida albicans. These yeast cells are found naturally in your digestive system, mouth, and vagina and even on your skin in small quantities.

Thrush infections develop when the yeast cells grow out of control. This happens when the normal balance of bacteria that keeps candida in check is upset or disturbed.

What Causes a Thrush Yeast Infection?

There are many reasons why your natural balance may be disturbed:
• Hormonal imbalance - pregnancy, contraception and HRT, puberty, menstrual cycle
• Regular use of antibiotics
• Stress
• Immune deficiencies - HIV/AIDS, diabetes, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments
• Poor diet

What are Symptoms of Thrush Infections?

Thrush refers to yeast infection symptoms that are visible. It is worth noting though that candida albicans can affect the whole body and has a range of symptoms not automatically associated with yeast infections.

Symptoms of Thrush Yeast Infection in Women

• Redness and irritation of the labia
• Vaginal itching
• Burning sensation when passing water
• Thick vaginal discharge often resembling cottage cheese

Symptoms of Thrush Yeast Infection in Men

• Inflammation of the head of the penis
• Itching
• Possible thick "cottage cheese like" discharge
• Possibly small red spots on the head of the penis

Some men do not show usual symptoms but still carry the thrush infection. It is possible to pass thrush from partner to partner during sex BUT it is just as possible to contract thrush and not be sexually active!

Symptoms of Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is usually associated with babies or people who wear dentures. It can affect all ages.

• Raised white, cream or yellow coloured spots on the tongue. There is generally no pain but if the spots are scraped they will bleed.
• There may be an uncomfortable burning sensation in the mouth and throat

Thrush yeast infections are normally considered mild and usual. However, thrush is only the visible signs of candida albicans. Many people suffer with recurring thrush infections without realising that this could be a sign of a more serious infection or illness.

People who suffer from recurring thrush yeast infections should consult their health care professional to confirm that thrush is the correct diagnosis. With visible signs of thrush this is easily done by the health care provider taking a swab or scrapping and having it analysed. Candida shows up easily under a microscope.

Prevention and Natural Treatment of Hemorrhoids/Piles.

The term piles is not used often these days but it refers to what we more often use the medical term hemorrhoids for. In medical terms piles or hemorrhoids are dilation of rectal veins in the anal canal. Veins have thin walls that are relatively weak. Back pressure with in the veins make them bulge out like balloons.

Lets try to understand a little more about what piles are, the forms they come in and common treatments.

Veins In The Rectum Involved With Hemorrhoids/Piles

There are 3 veins in the rectum,


superior
middle
inferior
Obstruction or increased pressure can cause a ballooning effect along with pain an bleeding - this condition is hemorrhoids.

Constipation is one of the big causes of the extra pressure that causes piles. This is why a high quality, high fiber diet is important in both preventing and curing piles.

The Two Types of Hemorrhoids/Piles


External Piles - These are seen outside the anal opening and are covered with skin. As you can see in the picture, they appear black or brown. These can be painful because of the many nerves in the area.
Internal Piles - These are not normally visible as they are inside the anal opening. These are red or purple and covered by mucus membrane. As there are fewer nerve endings these piles may not be painful.
Since the same conditions can trigger either type of hemorrhoids it is possible to have both at the same time. You may not even know that internal piles exist unless your doctor does an exam.

Common Symptoms of Piles


Pain - as stated pain is common in external piles, bowel movements can be torturous.
Bleeding - Bleeding may be profuse or you may only find it on the toilet paper as you clean yourself.
Protruding Mass - With external piles you can feel the swelling around the anal opening. Internal piles cannot always be detected but as they become worse they may protrude during a bowel movement and then retract by themselves on completion. If the condition becomes worse the piles may not go back. This is one of the causes of anal leakage.
Itching and leakage - Sometimes there is a discharge of mucus which causes itching around the anal orifice. It may be difficult to properly clean yourself and keep yourself clean. This can also be accompanied by a smell.

Possible Complications of Piles


Infection - Infection can spread to deep veins. This is rare with hemorrhoids or piles but can require a trip to intensive care to flush the sepsis from the blood.
Fibrosis - the piles harden and become fibrous. The anal opening hardens.
Thrombosis - The blood in the piles clots and obstructs blood flow.
Gangrene - in untreated hemorrhoids tissue and skin around protruding piles may die because the blood supply is cut off.
Suppuration - resulting in abscess and discharge of pus. This is a painful state.

Medical Treatment of Piles

Normally piles are treated according to symptoms. Constipation is treated, anemia is treated, and so on. There are a number of medical treatments that can be used to remove the piles. Unless the cause is treated by lifestyle changes the piles may possibly return.


External piles/hemorrhoids can be removed while under local anesthesia.
Rubber band ligation can remove piles in the same way that testicles are removed from steers.
Sometimes cryosurgery is used.
Anal dilation can sometimes reduce constipation and pain.
The surgical removal of piles is known as hemorrhoidectomy.

Prevention and Natural Treatment of Hemorrhoids/Piles


Increase fiber in your diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
Avoid processed foods
Drink lots of water
Use Witch Hazel on your toilet paper to clean yourself. It will soothe hemorrhoids and shrink them because of Witch Hazel's astringent properties.
Sitz Bath is an effective treatment as well and should be used twice a day.
Natural treatment is the best thing you can do for hemorrhoids because it has lasting effects that not only cures hemorrhoids but can bring big health improvements to your life.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Candida albicans .

Is a yeast mold which colonises our internal and external bodily surfaces (skin, mucosal surfaces and the digestive tract) not long after birth.

It s important to realise that there are many different antigenic strains or types, all requiring a different response from our immune system when they get out of hand.

Its favorite sites are the esophagus and the small intestine. When kept in check it brings neither harm nor benefit to the host within which it lives. However candida is dimorphic in other words it can live in two states. In the yeast form it can reproduce itself but is unable to move beyond the intestinal tract. If provided with ideal nutrients, though, and if allowed to multiply, it can transform itself into an invasive fungal form. It does this by producing mycelia, the intertwined threads commonly seen on fungi. Once changed in this way it uses the mycelia to penetrate the lining of the digestive tract, pushing out its root-like filaments to gain access to the bloodstream.

Not only are there other areas of the body open to colonisation by the fungal form of candida, but the body must also cope with the resulting outflow of toxins from the candida cells. Excessive toxins further weaken the damaged mucosal linings in the gut, causing abnormal absorption of large protein molecules from the intestine into the bloodstream. The immune system, our bodies way of defending against foreign invaders, becomes overworked; food allergies can result because of the immune system's reaction to undigested protein leaking through the gut. Clearly, the importance of early recognition is paramount.

Dr Nadya Coates, founder of the Springhill Cancer Centre, has developed interesting theories about the relationship of candidiasis to cancer, based on her own experience and her own and others' research. She believes that cancer will not develop unless there is candida overgrowth in the small intestines. The leaky gut produced by candida mycelia allows waste products excreted by bacteria to pass into the blood. Her view is that these substances are extremely carcinogenic, a view supported by the fact that cancerous tumours invariably include bacterial and fungal activity.

Candidiasis is seen by many clinical ecologists and holistic practitioners to be responsible for, or part of many chronic and degenerative diseases, affecting almost all parts of the body, organs, tissues and cells. Symptoms include extreme fatigue and lethargy, headaches, cystitis and vaginitis, menstrual cramps and problems involving reproductive organs, gastrointestinal symptoms, skin problems, migraine, depression, muscle weakness and asthma.

Some doctors claim to have been successful in treating such diverse conditions as multiple sclerosis, endometriosis, autism, schizophrenia and arthritis when they recognised the role of candida and took steps to control it. Myalgic Encerephalomyelitis (ME) and AIDS have been linked because of their similar viral involvement; but they also share problems of immunity, often with clear signs of candida infestation. As far back as the 1940s Dr Josef Issels wrote about the importance of balance in the ecology of the gastrointestinal tract, warning that an imbalance with candida growth was one of the causes of cancer.

The symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis.

Are varying degrees of bladder discomfort and an aggravated urge to urinate. However, whilst the lining of the bladder is inflamed and very sensitive and is often accompanied by abdominal pain, testing reveals no urinary infection.

Women are more commonly affected than men, who sometimes feel pain in the prostate, although it is actually coming from the bladder, which is situated just above it.

Women suffering with interstitial cystitis are also more likely to complain of a wide range of other symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, chest pain, joint ache, heart pounding, backache, abdominal cramps, nausea or other pelvic discomfort which tends to suggest that the cystitis itself is a symptom of an infection elsewhere in the body.

The problem is that most doctors only run a routine test for bacterial urinary infections and the urine must be cultured differently to reveal a fungal infection, so it often goes undetected. Because the actual cause of the urine problem is uncertain, antibiotics may be given as a precaution.

Whilst this treatment can ease the pain and reduce the frequency of the urge to void, it also exacerbates the yeast problems elsewhere, usually resulting in an outbreak of vaginal thrush and a worsening of the niggly extraneous symptoms mentioned previously.

Significantly, when the woman next has sexual intercourse, the vaginal Candida may be transmitted to the bladder, repeating the cycle of infection and antibiotics and worsening the Candida overgrowth in the body.

One natural short-term remedy for the symptoms of interstitial cystitis is the regular consumption of a teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda in a pint of water to relieve the effects of the acidity on the bladder wall. (You should check with your doctor to ensure that this course of action is suitable for you). Any abdominal pain can be alleviated with a hot water bottle and a couple of generic painkillers.

Probiotics are recommended to control the condition long-term by improving the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. In addition, the consumption of Milk Thistle Complex tablets containing Boldo has proved helpful.

A member of the sunflower family, Milk Thistle has been used as a liver tonic for centuries. The active ingredient in its seeds is Silymarin. This is an antioxidant and it removes any free radicals, which are toxic chemicals that cause cell damage.

Since an overgrowth of Candida can adversely affect the liver, Silymarin's ability to strengthen the liver by stimulating the manufacture of new liver cells, and increasing the production of bile is invaluable.

Peumus Boldo is a South American herb, the dried leaves of which are used to treat urinary tract infections. (The essential oil should never be taken internally as it is highly toxic and Boldo should be avoided if pregnancy is suspected!)

You should always consult a registered homeopath before embarking on any course of treatment.

Acute lymphangitis.

Is a bacterial infection of the lymphatic system. It is characterized painful red streaks below the surface of the skin. This is a potentially serious infection that can quickly spread into the bloodstream and can be fatal. Acute lymphangitis attacks the lymphatic system which is crucial in the body's immune capabilities. Organisms such as bacteria or viruses, are processed in the lymph nodes to generate an immune response to fight infections.

In acute lymphangitis, bacteria enter the body through cuts, insect bites, skin lesions, or other wounds. Once the bacteria enter into the lymphatic system they can multiply and quickly spread throughout the body, overwhelming the body's ability to respond. The lymphatic vessels become infected and turn red which makes them visible beneath the surface of the skin. If left untreated, the bacteria can begin to break down tissue in the area of infection. An abscess may form in the infected area. Bacteria in the bloodstream can result in septicemia, a very serious and potentially fatal condition.

Acute lymphangitis is often caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. This potentially dangerous bacterium also causes sore throat, infections of the heart, spinal cord and lungs. Staphylococci can cause lymphangitis. Although anyone can develop lymphangitis, some people are more at risk (e.g. those who undergo a radical mastectomy, or those who undergo coronary bypass where a vein is taken from the leg).

The typical external symptoms of acute lymphangitis are the wide red streaks on the arms or legs. The affected areas are irritated, swollen and painful. Blisters can form on the affected skin. The bacterial infection can cause a high fever. In addition, muscle pain, headaches, chills and nausea are also experienced.

Lymphangitis is a very serious matter. If it is suspected, the person should call a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately, where trained medical personnel can assess, based on symptoms, whether the patient has acute lymphangitis. Once diagnosed it is critical to have a blood test to determine the extent of the infection and whether the bacteria have entered the bloodstream. A biopsy of the infected tissue can be used to see what caused the bacterial infection.

Because of the seriousness of this infection, the treatment is started immediately, even before the bacterial culture results come in. The only way to treat acute lymphangitis is very large doses of antibiotics intravenously. Penicillin is usually very effective in combating the spreading bacteria while the antibiotic clindamycin is used to treat to streptococci which may not be active but in the resting phase.

Full recovery is expected if antibiotic treatment is started at an early stage of infection. However, if left untreated, acute lymphangitis can be fatal. Acute lymphangitis that left untreated can spread and cause significant tissue damage. Extensive tissue damage would have to be repaired by plastic surgery.